Dear Councilman, I m hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that s occurring at our playgrounds and in our community. Over the last ~2 mos Homeland

Message 1 of 12
, Nov 26, 2012

0 Attachment

Dear Councilman,

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's
occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning
nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th /
Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near
the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women
seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and
question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in
other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question
them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the
minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard
St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment,
asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that
she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman
and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving
the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman,
approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with
Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other
information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for
a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the
street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her
ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she
got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th
and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two
nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and
randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their
power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't
like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like
our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and
harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems
like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our
neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy --
just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment
that's occurring in front of our children?

Thanks, this is strange. May I use this email with MPD? I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you

Message 2 of 12
, Nov 28, 2012

0 Attachment

Thanks, this is strange. May I use this email with MPD?

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

If the MPD nor the federal agencies contacted for MPD aren t using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds,

Message 5 of 12
, Nov 28, 2012

0 Attachment

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies? If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter. As a mom in the community, please let me know if there s anything I can

Message 6 of 12
, Nov 28, 2012

0 Attachment

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

As a mom in the community, please let me know if there's anything I can do and if there's any other details I could provide.

--The SUVs were first noticed 1st week of October... and has continued through last TUESDAY AT 5PM - when a nanny was followed home from the park and questioned on Girard Street.

--Incidents involved four African American women associated with TWO black SUVs -- ONE of the woman did the questioning and was plain clothed-- she is African American, early-50s -- my nanny friend said the woman showed her a "homeland security badge" as she was being questioned.

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies?
If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

Yes, thank you, Cmdr Kishter. I appreciate the MPD looking into this. I wasn t trying to imply inaction, just conveying how much these incidents bother me —

Message 7 of 12
, Nov 28, 2012

0 Attachment

Yes, thank you, Cmdr Kishter. I appreciate the MPD looking into this. I wasn't trying to imply inaction, just conveying how much these incidents bother me — and how important it is to all of us that we get to the bottom of it.

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

As a mom in the community, please let me know if there's anything I can do and if there's any other details I could provide.

--The SUVs were first noticed 1st week of October... and has continued through last TUESDAY AT 5PM - when a nanny was followed home from the park and questioned on Girard Street.

--Incidents involved four African American women associated with TWO black SUVs -- ONE of the woman did the questioning and was plain clothed-- she is African American, early-50s -- my nanny friend said the woman showed her a "homeland security badge" as she was being questioned.

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies?
If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

Thanks MPD for looking into this. As a mom, a Latina and user of the parks I feel outraged about this harassment. Several of my nanny friends are worried and

Message 8 of 12
, Nov 28, 2012

0 Attachment

Thanks MPD for looking into this. As a mom, a Latina and user of the parks I feel outraged about this harassment. Several of my nanny friends are worried and have asked me about the best way to act if approached. What rights do they have to give or withhold information? Do they HAVE to talk to them? None of them want to get in trouble but some do not speak English and all feel very intimidated. Any help and advice would be appreciated. I think I speak on behalf of the community parents that Columbia Heights celebrates diversity and want to make sure all residents, visitors and our loving caregivers are well protected and respected.

Yes, thank you, Cmdr Kishter. I appreciate the MPD looking into this. I wasn't trying to imply inaction, just conveying how much these incidents bother me — and how important it is to all of us that we get to the bottom of it.

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

As a mom in the community, please let me know if there's anything I can do and if there's any other details I could provide.

--The SUVs were first noticed 1st week of October... and has continued through last TUESDAY AT 5PM - when a nanny was followed home from the park and questioned on Girard Street.

--Incidents involved four African American women associated with TWO black SUVs -- ONE of the woman did the questioning and was plain clothed-- she is African American, early-50s -- my nanny friend said the woman showed her a "homeland security badge" as she was being questioned.

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies?
If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

Thanks MPD for looking into this. As a mom, a Latina and user of the parks I feel outraged about this harassment. Several of my nanny friends are worried and have asked me about the best way to act if approached. What rights do they have to give or withhold information? Do they HAVE to talk to them? None of them want to get in trouble but some do not speak English and all feel very intimidated. Any help and advice would be appreciated. I think I speak on behalf of the community parents that Columbia Heights celebrates diversity and want to make sure all residents, visitors and our loving caregivers are well protected and respected.

Yes, thank you, Cmdr Kishter. I appreciate the MPD looking into this. I wasn't trying to imply inaction, just conveying how much these incidents bother me — and how important it is to all of us that we get to the bottom of it.

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

As a mom in the community, please let me know if there's anything I can do and if there's any other details I could provide.

--The SUVs were first noticed 1st week of October... and has continued through last TUESDAY AT 5PM - when a nanny was followed home from the park and questioned on Girard Street.

--Incidents involved four African American women associated with TWO black SUVs -- ONE of the woman did the questioning and was plain clothed-- she is African American, early-50s -- my nanny friend said the woman showed her a "homeland security badge" as she was being questioned.

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies?
If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

Thanks MPD for looking into this. As a mom, a Latina and user of the parks I feel outraged about this harassment. Several of my nanny friends are worried and have asked me about the best way to act if approached. What rights do they have to give or withhold information? Do they HAVE to talk to them? None of them want to get in trouble but some do not speak English and all feel very intimidated. Any help and advice would be appreciated. I think I speak on behalf of the community parents that Columbia Heights celebrates diversity and want to make sure all residents, visitors and our loving caregivers are well protected and respected.

Yes, thank you, Cmdr Kishter. I appreciate the MPD looking into this. I wasn't trying to imply inaction, just conveying how much these incidents bother me — and how important it is to all of us that we get to the bottom of it.

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

As a mom in the community, please let me know if there's anything I can do and if there's any other details I could provide.

--The SUVs were first noticed 1st week of October... and has continued through last TUESDAY AT 5PM - when a nanny was followed home from the park and questioned on Girard Street.

--Incidents involved four African American women associated with TWO black SUVs -- ONE of the woman did the questioning and was plain clothed-- she is African American, early-50s -- my nanny friend said the woman showed her a "homeland security badge" as she was being questioned.

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies? If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

Second the thanks to MPD for looking into this distressing situation. Has anyone managed to get a license plate #no for either SUV? Do these incidents happen

Message 11 of 12
, Nov 28, 2012

0 Attachment

Second the thanks to MPD for looking into this distressing situation. Has anyone managed to get a license plate #no for either SUV? Do these incidents happen at particular times? My kids and their classmates used to meet in the Girard St. park after school, and I believe parents have kept the get-togethers going.

Thanks MPD for looking into this. As a mom, a Latina and user of the parks I feel outraged about this harassment. Several of my nanny friends are worried and have asked me about the best way to act if approached. What rights do they have to give or withhold information? Do they HAVE to talk to them? None of them want to get in trouble but some do not speak English and all feel very intimidated. Any help and advice would be appreciated. I think I speak on behalf of the community parents that Columbia Heights celebrates diversity and want to make sure all residents, visitors and our loving caregivers are well protected and respected.

Yes, thank you, Cmdr Kishter. I appreciate the MPD looking into this. I wasn't trying to imply inaction, just conveying how much these incidents bother me — and how important it is to all of us that we get to the bottom of it.

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

As a mom in the community, please let me know if there's anything I can do and if there's any other details I could provide.

--The SUVs were first noticed 1st week of October... and has continued through last TUESDAY AT 5PM - when a nanny was followed home from the park and questioned on Girard Street.

--Incidents involved four African American women associated with TWO black SUVs -- ONE of the woman did the questioning and was plain clothed-- she is African American, early-50s -- my nanny friend said the woman showed her a "homeland security badge" as she was being questioned.

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies? If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?

Thanks MPD for looking into this. As a mom, a Latina and user of the parks I feel outraged about this harassment. Several of my nanny friends are worried and have asked me about the best way to act if approached. What rights do they have to give or withhold information? Do they HAVE to talk to them? None of them want to get in trouble but some do not speak English and all feel very intimidated. Any help and advice would be appreciated. I think I speak on behalf of the community parents that Columbia Heights celebrates diversity and want to make sure all residents, visitors and our loving caregivers are well protected and respected.

Yes, thank you, Cmdr Kishter. I appreciate the MPD looking into this. I wasn't trying to imply inaction, just conveying how much these incidents bother me — and how important it is to all of us that we get to the bottom of it.

Thank you for your follow up -- I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

As a mom in the community, please let me know if there's anything I can do and if there's any other details I could provide.

--The SUVs were first noticed 1st week of October... and has continued through last TUESDAY AT 5PM - when a nanny was followed home from the park and questioned on Girard Street.

--Incidents involved four African American women associated with TWO black SUVs -- ONE of the woman did the questioning and was plain clothed-- she is African American, early-50s -- my nanny friend said the woman showed her a "homeland security badge" as she was being questioned.

If the MPD nor the 'federal agencies contacted for MPD' aren't using these tactics then it begs the question: Who is? Who is prowling around playgrounds, hopping out of black SUVs and questioning nannies? If one of the nannies was arrested, who arrested her and where is she being detained?

The fact that the authorities don't seem to know anything about this and claim no responsibility is very disturbing. These women appear to be illegally profiled, questioned and harassed.

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me. For most effective communication, please use my direct email address: jim@...

I'm hopeful you can help put a stop to this harassment that's occurring at our playgrounds and in our community.

Over the last ~2 mos Homeland Security/ICE have been questioning nannies AT playgrounds in Columbia Heights (Girard St Park 14th / Monroe 11st Park -- "Trolley Park"). There are 2 SUVs that sit near the parks, black Escalade /black Suburban (w/4 African American women seated in the SUVs). In some cases the women in the SUVs get out and question the nannies at the park (IN FRONT of children) -- and in other cases they FOLLOW the nannies home from the park and question them on the street (also in front of children). They question only the minority nannies -- and seem to approach them randomly.

In one case, a woman began questioning a nanny AT the park on Girard St -- pretending she was interested in securing nanny employment, asking how this nanny secured her job. The nanny explained to her that she got her job via an agency and earnestly offered to help the woman and provide the agency phone number. Later, as the nanny was leaving the park with the two children she was caring for, the same woman, approached the same nanny and showed her badge indicating she was with Homeland Security and demanded her name, address, and other information.

In another example, a nanny left Trolley Park, an SUV followed her for a few blocks. Then pulled in front of her as she was walking down the street with the stroller-- then a woman got out, began calling her ma'am repeatedly trying to get her attention -- then asked her how she got her job.

In one case, after questioning a nanny, the nanny was arrested (14th and Girard).

I don't know the nanny who was arrested but I do know the other two nannies well-- and I can say with certainty they were unjustly and randomly harassed.

As a mother, I don't like how our federal gov't is enforcing their power in front of our children -- and as a community member, I don't like the fear that's being instilled in our neighborhood. I don't like our nannies / members of our community being profiled, followed, and harassed -- in front of our young children. WHILE they are working.

Of course, I don't have context for why this is happening. This seems like another case of the fed gov't displaying their power in our neighborhood out of convenience -- with no real motive or strategy -- just under the umbrella of the "Secure Communities Act".

I would like this to stop. What can you do to help?

What can I do as a community member to stop this egregious harassment that's occurring in front of our children?